Learning to do Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations is a challenging and complicated endeavor, particularly because evidence collection involves a living human being who has recently survived an assault. One of the great anxieties for learners (future SAFEs and SANEs, in particular) is "What is this going to be like with an actual person?"
Forensic Training Associates (FTAs) are highly trained individuals who provide the clinical skills instruction associated with evidence collection (swabbing, speculum insertion, combing, photography, etc.) and allow learners to practice those skills immediately on that very FTA. Learners get real-time feedback from an actual person as they hone their skills.
In addition, FTAs are able to simulate scenarios in a role-play format. This provides learners the opportunity to practice, during training, the complicated and emotionally challenging communication skills necessary during evidence collection following an assault. These scenarios include everything from compassionate trauma-informed care and communication to sensitivity regarding standardized forms that often require asking upsetting questions. Practicing all of these things with an FTA improves the confidence and lowers the anxiety of the learner.
The utilization of FTAs is widely recognized as the gold-standard in SAFE and SANE training.
Despite the obvious wisdom of utilizing FTAs, many programs do not have the financial or administrative resources to locate, train, compensate or provide experienced FTAs.
The Forensic Training Foundation is a NY-based non-profit organization established with the goal of providing FTAs to qualified programs anywhere they are needed...free of charge, including all travel expenses and administrative costs.
We believe giving SANEs and SAFEs the best training possible will increase confidence, lower anxiety, and improve accuracy in the evidence collection process.
This helps survivors of assault.
Please reach us at info@ForensicTrainingFoundation.org if you have additional questions.
A Forensic Training Associate (FTA) is a trained professional who uses their own body as a teaching tool. FTAs instruct learners on clinical skills and communication techniques, and then learners have an opportunity to practice those skills and techniques with that very FTA. This allows for immediate feedback, adjustments and recommendations.
FTAs are involved in two ways:
First, during "Instructional Sessions" which involve reviewing and practicing all of the clinical elements of evidence collection associated with the collection kit, including swabbing techniques, speculum insertion, combing, photography and anything else the kit requires.
Second, during "Scenario Sessions" where the FTA role-plays a survivor who is requesting services from a SANE or SAFE. This is an in-depth scenario designed to simulate an actual situation the SANE or SAFE may experience. A scenario session puts heavy emphasis on communication skills while continuing to practice elements of the kit.
SAFE and SANE programs may have different scheduling needs due to the personnel involved and the availability of learners. Typically FTAs are involved for one or two of the training days. Please contact us at info@ForensicTrainingFoundation.org to discuss your program, and we can figure out the best way we can help.
Please feel free to reach out for more information about our organization, our board of governance, our experience in the field, or with any additional questions you may have.
Forensic Training Foundation
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